This month, a wave of layoffs across various industries has raised concerns among professionals about job security. Major corporations, particularly in the tech sector, have announced significant workforce reductions. Siemens plans to cut over 6,000 jobs in its automation and electric vehicle (EV) charging businesses to enhance competitiveness. Similarly, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have announced layoffs, reflecting a broader trend in the industry.
This trend extends beyond the tech industry. Major retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Joann Fabrics are also in the process of, or planning layoffs. Additionally, significant reductions are anticipated in various government sectors as part of Trump’s DOGE initiative. The Pentagon announced 60,000 cuts and the IRS plans to shed 45,000 jobs. Experts predict weaker employment reports and a rise in unemployment claims, citing economic uncertainty and increased automation in the workplace as key drivers.
How To Prepare Your Career For Potential Layoffs
Although no one is certain that we are entering a recession, the news about widespread layoffs can be stressful. Even if you currently feel secure in your position, it’s time to acknowledge potential challenges in the job market. The best time to prepare for a job search is while you are still employed. Implementing a proactive plan can help safeguard your career and stave off anxiety. Focus on these 7 actions.
1. Revisit Your Personal Brand
If you haven’t worked on your personal brand in a while, it’s time to for a review.
- Clarify Your Brand. Rediscover your personal brand through introspection to get clear on your values, purpose, superpowers and differentiation. Be clear about what makes you unique.
- Seek Input. Get feedback about your brand from people who count. Understand what stakeholders think about you. Use what you learn from their feedback to refine your own thinking about your brand and the way you deliver value.
2. Update Your Career Marketing Materials
To effectively convey your value, review, update, and enhance your resume and online profiles.
- Revise Your Resume. Make sure your resume reflects your most recent achievements and relevant skills. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments that demonstrate your impact and highlight in-demand skills like AI and critical thinking.
- Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile. Keep your LinkedIn profile current, highlighting your expertise and professional journey. Spend time on your LinkedIn About to get readers to want to get to know you. A robust LinkedIn presence attracts recruiters and hiring managers while expanding your professional network.
3. Strengthen Your Professional Network
We all know that more jobs are filled through networking than job postings. Many career opportunities arise through relationships that you have built.
- Expand Your Network: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers to keep your network up-to-date. Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to meet new contacts and grow your network.
- Engage Online: Participate in professional forums and social media groups related to your field. Sharing insights and engaging in discussions increases your visibility and helps you forge new connections.
- Informational Interviews: Conduct informational interviews to learn about potential opportunities and gain industry insights. This approach also strengthens relationships within your network.
4. Enhance Your Skill Set To Avoid Layoffs
Career cushioning—investing in skill development will make you a more attractive candidate for in-demand roles. It involves discreetly preparing for potential job loss by upskilling and networking. The bonus is that you gain essential skills that you can use in your current role.
- Become a Lifelong Learner. Make learning something you do regularly rather than an occasional event. Engage in ongoing education to stay current with industry trends and desirable skills.
- Learn from Your Network. Consistently build and maintain professional relationships, both within and outside your current organization, with the goal of learning from network members.
- Stay Aware of the Job Market. Keep an eye on job openings and industry shifts to understand where opportunities may arise. Follow companies that interest you on LinkedIn.
- Identify Relevant Skills. Research the competencies that are currently in demand in your industry, including skills like artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, or digital marketing.
- Enhance Your Soft Skills. Don’t focus all your attention on tech skills and AI. As tech enters the workforce, building soft skills is essential for career success and helps you stand out from your peers.
- Enroll in Courses. Take advantage of online courses, certifications, and workshops to build new skills. Platforms like Maven and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of programs you can select among. You can often get the costs of these courses reimbursed by your employer when you show the value it will contribute to your organization.
- Apply Skills Practically. Seek opportunities to apply new skills in your current role or through volunteer work. Practical application reinforces learning and gives you proof of performance stories you can share with potential employers.
5. Build Financial Resilience
Being prepared financially is vital in uncertain times. Take these actions to reduce financial risk and the stress that comes from money issues.
- Build an Emergency Fund. Finance experts suggest saving at least six to twelve months’ worth of standard living expenses. This cushion provides security and stress reduction should you experience job loss.
- Manage Debt. Work toward reducing high-interest debts to lower your fixed expenses, making it easier to manage finances during unemployment. And commit to curtailing any unnecessary spending.
- Plan for Future Expenses. Use bonuses to prepare for upcoming significant costs, avoiding financial strain during potential job transitions.
6. Increase Your Visibility at Work to Stay Off the Layoff List
When it comes time to decide who gets put on the layoff list, make sure your manager and other decision makers see you as indispensable. Demonstrating your value within your organization will enhance job security.
- Take Initiative. Volunteer for new projects or propose innovative solutions to existing challenges.
- Communicate Achievements. Regularly update your boss on your accomplishments, and most importantly, the impact of your work. Deliberately demonstrate the value you deliver visibly, making it easy for managers to understand your impact.
- Collaborate Effectively. Build strong relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to team dynamics. Use your social skills to become the a true team player.
Increasing your visibility and demonstrated value positions you as a must-keep team member.
7. Maintain a Positive Online Presence
Often, the value you build externally impacts how you’re seen inside your organization. Your online presence will influence potential employers’ perceptions, too.
- Update Your Digital Profiles. Ensure your social media profiles beyond LinkedIn are current and professional. Hiring managers often use social media reviews to eliminate potential candidates.
- Share Content. Share industry-related articles, your insights, and achievements to showcase your expertise. To demonstrate your loyalty to your organization, become a digital brand ambassador by sharing company content with your followers. This also helps you stay on top of what’s happening in the organization, outside your function or division.
- Engage Respectfully. Participate in online discussions thoughtfully, showing that you are part of the right communities and current in what’s happening in your industry.
A positive online presence enhances your attractiveness to potential employers.
Layoffs Loom, Yet You Can Stay In Control Of Your Career
While no one can fully predict what’s ahead, the wave of recent layoffs is a clear signal that professionals should stay ready, not reactive. The key to long-term career resilience is preparation. Whether or not a recession materializes, these steps will put you in a stronger position for whatever the market brings. Your career is your greatest asset—treat it like one.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and co-creator of BrandBoost – a virtual, video-fueled course to help you grow your self-awareness, uncover your personal brand, and amp up your career success.